First President of Texas

Sam Houston Leader of the Texas Army during the Texas Revolution Elected as first President of Texas and Mirabeau B. Lamar as his Vice President. Sam Houston Mirabeau Lamar

Problems Houston Faced The Mexican government refused to recognize Texas’ Independence Needed recognition of their independence from other nations Financial Problems $1 million in debt; issued promissory notes No money to repay the debts they owed Native Americans Were peaceful during the revolution Now threaten war on the Texans

Houston’s Policies Very cautious because of so many problems Did not want another war with Mexico or to begin one with the Native Americans Limited government spending so they did not fall deeper into debt Believed in Annexation Joining the United States The U.S. could solve all of Texas’ problems

Houston’s Cabinet All were well known people of Texas Secretary of State Stephen F. Austin Secretary of the Treasury Henry Smith Secretary of War Thomas J. Rusk (same position he held under Governor Smith during the ad interim government). All these men supplied stability within the new government.

Death of Stephen F. Austin December 27, 1836, Stephen F. Austin passed away. In his memory, a 30-day mourning period was proclaimed.

A New Capitol Columbia was the capitol city during the ad interim government The government officials believed the town to be too small to function as a government headquarters. The Augustus Brothers built a new capitol, Houston. Houston, TX Government buildings were log cabins and the streets were muddy. Complained about heat, humidity, diseases, and mosquitoes. Houston remained the capitol throughout Sam Houston’s 1 st term

1 st Attempt at Annexation Since most Texans had immigrated from the U.S. annexation seemed logical. The addition of Texas to the Union would allow for Western Expansion. A bill was introduced to accept Texas as a state. John Q. Adams blocked the passage of the bill. Slavery would be allowed in Texas if it was annexed. Did not want slavery to spread anywhere else. The debate dragged on until Houston withdrew his support.

Trouble in the Army Felix Huston, commander of the Texas army. Wanted to go back to war with Mexico. Prevention of war: Houston tried to replace Huston with Albert Sidney Johnston. When Johnston tried to take command of the Army, Huston challenged him to a duel. Johnston was injured and was Huston still in command. Houston sent 600 soldiers home so Huston would not start another war!

Native Texan Policy Native’s resent the large numbers of Anglo’s moving onto their land. The TX Congress refused to accept a treaty that Houston and the Native’s had signed during the Revolution. In return for keeping peace during the Revolution the Cherokees promised some of their land in East Texas. Rich farmland Fought back with raids. Houston asked the Texas Rangers for help …attacks continued.

Election of 1838 Texas Constitution limited the first president to a 2 yr. term: Later presidents will serve for 3 years. No president could be elected 2 times in a row Mirabeau B. Lamar becomes the 2 nd president of the Republic of Texas.